Sparkly leotards aside (though to be fair, a bit of bling is reason enough for us to sign the kids up), gymnastics is one of the most comprehensive exercise programmes available to children as it incorporates a number of different skills into one sport such as strength, flexibility, speed, balance, coordination, power and discipline.
But with so many gymnastics classes across the UAE, each offering a variety of different disciplines, it can be a little overwhelming.
Whether your little gymnast wants to perfect their cartwheels, master the vault or swirl ribbons and dance to music, there is something out there to suit.
These kids’ gymnastics classes will have youngsters cartwheeling, tumbling and swinging their way through fitness and fun.
Diverse Performing Arts School
The incredible community of enormously talented boys and girls (from as young as four)is testament to the hard work and dedication of all the wonderful teachers who coach a huge variety of disciplines. While it’s the dance classes that are best known, acro gymnastics is also on offer for kids keen to learn skills that will enable them tumble, aerial (that’s a cartwheel with no hands for those not in the know) and front flip. Plus, Diverse has a real sense of family and once your little ones have signed up to even one class, they are addicted.
The Curve Building, Entrance A, Al Quoz, Dubai, www.diversechoreography.com (04 330 7338).
DuGym
The first of its kind in the UAE, the club is one of the oldest and most respected, facilitating rhythmic gymnastics training for girls from ages three to 16 years old. It is currently the only gymnastics club in the UAE offering the opportunity for its members to participate in International and FIG B level competitions. Classes and events organised at various locations around Dubai. Gymnastics, trampolining and rhythmic dancing are all on offer so your little gymnast has a choice.
Prices and length of classes vary. Various locations across Dubai including Horizon International School, www.dugym.com (052 350 4095).
Fit Republik
Boasting the only permanent and Olympic equipped gymnastics arena in the UAE coupled with the fact that all the coaches are ex-national or ex-Olympians, makes this a popular venue for budding gymnasts. Recreational and competitive training is offered for tiny tots as young and the classes cater for all levels. Children will learn to balance on beams, use their power when they vault and lift, plus swing and move their bodies through the bars in new and challenging ways. There are even elite invite-only gymnastics sessions for kids vying for floor time at the next Olympics – you never know.
Prices and length of classes vary. Sat-Thu 5.30am-11pm, Fri 5.30am-9pm. The Academies, Dubai Sports City, Dubai, www.fitrepublik.com (04 556 1800).
Fly High Fitness
There are classes for boys and girls of all ages and abilities from beginner to advanced, there are even parents and me classes for little ones aged between two and a half and three. When kids have turn four they can join a First Steps class, which helps them to improve their coordination, ability and strength before the move into a pre-beginner class aged 4 and a half. Kids learn a variety of disciplines including apparatus such as rings, parallel-bar and beam as well as techniques on the vault and floor. Trampolining and tumbling is also on offer.
Prices and length of classes vary. Sun-Thu 6am-10pm, Fri-Sat 8am-2pm. Dubai Investment Park 1, Green Community Dubai, www.flyhighfitness.org (04 224 9075).
Little Stars Gymnastics Club
Run by a husband and wife team with over 50-years experience in gymnastics coaching, Little Stars encourages kids to run, jump, flip, swing, tumble and use all of their energy in class. Little Stars offers both rhythmic and artistic gymnastics classes both for fun and for competition.
Prices and length of classes vary. Sun 3.30pm-8.30pm, Mon 3.15pm-8.45pm, Tue 3.30pm-8.30pm, Wed 3.15pm-8.30pm, Thu 3.45pm-8.45pm, Fri closed. Sports Hall, Officers Club, Abu Dhabi, www.littlestarsabudhabi.com (050 781 0635).
Know your stuff
Make sure you choose the right type of gymnastics to suit your little tumbler
Artistic
Children perform short routines on different apparatus such as the beam and uneven bars. There are two types of artistic gymnastics, one for girls and one for boys. This one builds core strength, balance and stability.
Acrobatic
Children work together and perform acrobatic, dance and tumbling moves, set to music. The routines focus on strength, poise and flexibility. This one is all about working as a team to complete the routine.
Rhythmic
Combining elements of ballet, gymnastics, dance, and apparatus manipulation, children use ribbons, balls and hoops as they leap, balance and pirouette. This one is a combination of dance and sport.
Tumbling
Combining floorwork and tumbling, this form of gymnastics is practised on a springy track and includes round-offs, somersaults and back-hand springs. Good for building strength and technique.
